PR - Fearless cast and creative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MARCH 24, 2025

WILMINGTON, Del. — OperaDelaware is proud to present the world premiere of Fearless, an inspiring new opera by composer and librettist Derrick Wang (Scalia/Ginsburg), coming to The Grand on May 16 and 18, 2025. Fearless tells the story of Hazel Ying Lee, a trailblazing World War II aviator and an original member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). As the first Chinese-American woman to earn a pilot’s license and fly for the U.S. military, Hazel’s extraordinary legacy takes flight in this groundbreaking new work.

Following the success of a musical workshop in the OperaDelaware studios in 2023, OperaDelaware is excited to bring a fully realized production to the stage of The Grand. "Fearless is an exciting step forward in OperaDelaware’s commitment to meaningful community engagement and artistically compelling storytelling,” says Brendan Cooke, OperaDelaware General Director. “This production aligns with our strategic goal of expanding diverse programming while honoring opera’s rich traditions and celebrating stories that resonate with broader communities. We are honored to collaborate again with Derrick Wang, a trusted voice in contemporary opera (Scalia/Ginsburg, OperaDelaware’s highest-grossing production ever), and to bring Hazel Ying Lee’s extraordinary journey to the stage—an important chapter of American history that deserves to be shared.”

The dynamic cast of Fearless features an exciting mix of returning OperaDelaware favorites and exciting debuts. Soprano Karen Vuong stars as Iris, returning after her acclaimed portrayal of Liù in OperaDelaware’s 2024 production of Turandot. Mezzo-soprano Alice Chung, co-founder of Wear Yellow Proudly and first place winner of the Loren L. Zachery National Vocal Competition, joins as Mother. Baritone Suchan Kim makes his OperaDelaware debut as Victor. Making her OperaDelaware house debut as Hazel Ying Lee will be mezzo-soprano Ariana Maubach, a 2025 National Semi-Finalist of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and second-year resident artist with the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.

Conductor Benjamin Makino leads the cast along with the OperaDelaware Orchestra and Chorus, and Malena Dayen directs - both making their debuts with OD. Additional creative team members include chorusmaster George Hemcher, scenic designer John Raley, and lighting designer Tláloc Lopez-Watermann. 

"At OperaDelaware, we believe opera should reflect the richness of our shared history and evolving artistic landscape,” remarked Kerriann Otaño, OperaDelaware’s Vice President of Engagement. "Fearless is more than a new work—it embodies our commitment to telling compelling stories that resonate with our community, honoring both tradition and innovation. By bringing Hazel’s story to life, we celebrate the pioneering women who broke barriers and the artists of today who continue to inspire audiences through their artistry."

This world premiere is a testament to OperaDelaware’s commitment to enrich the community and encourage curiosity. “Through Fearless, OperaDelaware is proud to stand at the intersection of history, art, and advocacy—ensuring that voices like Hazel Ying Lee’s soar beyond the footlights and into the hearts of our audiences,” says Kerriann Otaño, OperaDelaware VP of Engagement. “You won’t want to miss this powerful new opera that brings Hazel Ying Lee’s fearless spirit to life on stage.”

Surrounding this world premiere, OperaDelaware was selected as part of Dogfish Head’s Beer and Benevolence program, which partners with nonprofit organizations that amplify the arts, improve our environment, and build community. Dogfish Head worked with OperaDelaware to create the first Benevolence Beer of 2025 called “Fearless Hazel,” a rich American Lager brewed with smoked star anise and buffalo ginger. This limited-edition beer is available on draft at Brewings & Eats and Chesapeake & Maine and in 4-packs to-go from the Off-Centered EmPOURium.

Additionally, OperaDelaware is partnering with the AMC Museum in Dover for a preview performance and panel discussion on May 4, highlighting members of the cast and creative team alongside historians and servicemen from the Dover Airforce Base in honoring Hazel Ying Lee’s legacy.

Performance Details:
Dates: May 16 & 18, 2025
Location: The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Tickets: Available now at https://www.operade.org/2425-fearless-world-premiere

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Kerriann Otaño
OperaDelaware, Vice President of Engagement
kotano@operade.org
302-442-7807

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.